PF apologizes to Tongas over Chama’s tribal remarks

Republican and PF Vice President Inonge Wina has unreservedly apologized on behalf of the ruling party to the people of southern province over the tribal remarks made by Patriotic Front Secretary General Davies Chama against the Tonga speaking people.

Ms Wina made the apology in Parliament during the vice president’s question time this morning in response to a question by Mazabuka Central Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo who wanted to find out the outcome of the meeting between President Edgar Lungu and the Chiefs from Southern province.

Ms Wina says the apology is aimed at bringing closure to the matter and opening a new page of working together in unity.

She says although the remarks made by Mr Chama were targeted at a political leader, the remarks unfortunately affected the entire Tonga land, thereby raising concern.

Ms Wina says President Lungu met with Tonga Chief and it was agreed that the matter should be resolved amicably, with the President engaging Mr Chama and bringing to his attention the issues discussed with the Chiefs.

She however stated that the matter does not seem to have been resolved even with the President meeting the Tonga Chiefs as far the people and especially the politicians from southern province are concerned.

And the Vice President says the cancelled Kasumbalesa Border Post concession has not been restored as reported in some section of the media.

Ms Wina has told parliament in response to a question by Mpongwe Member of Parliament Gabriel Namulambe who wanted to find out why the concession has been restored, that government is still discussing the matter with the concessionaire.

She says government is subjecting the contract to further investigation as to how it was given out.
Meanwhile Ms Wina says it’s of great concern that the country is losing lives on underground mines.

Responding to a question by Kapiri Mposhi Member of Parliament Eddie Musonda who wanted to find out what measures government was putting in place to enhance mine safety in view of the loss of lives, Ms Wina says the loss of lives and occasional mine accidents call for intensified mine safety in the mining industry to safeguard the lives of miners.